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Science History Podcast

Frank A. von Hippel
Nuclear Disarmament
Leo Szilard
Nuclear Energy
Soviet Nuclear Program
American Universities
Malaria
Jerusalem
Pascual Jordan
Nuclear Weapons
USSR
Free Speech
Aquaporins
Zionism
Civilian Control Of Nuclear Technology
Scientific Innovation
Manhattan Project
Einstein-Szilard Letter
World War II
Atomic Bomb
Salk Institute For Biological Studies

Monthly interviews on important moments in the history of science.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes97Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ScienceChemistry

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Artwork for Science History Podcast

Latest Episodes

Today's episode is a discussion on the history of PFAS, or forever chemicals, including their accidental development, incorporation into commercial products, concerns about health effects, and environmental contamination and remediation. My guest is ... more

The weather has always been a critical element of the human experience - deadly during storms and droughts, sustaining when aligned with the harvest schedule, beautiful and frightening, and integrated into the myths and religions of all societies. Ho... more

In Episodes 10 and 11 of the Science History Podcast, I interviewed James Muller on the role that Winston Churchill played in the unparalleled advancement of science and technology during the first half of the 20th Century, particularly as it related... more

Our health, and the health of wildlife, depends on a clean environment. Since the advent of the industrial revolution, our environment has suffered from waves of pollution as different technologies came to the fore, each with its own set of practical... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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In Our TimeBBC Radio 4
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The New Yorker Radio HourWNYC Studios and The New Yorker

Recent Guests

Sharon Udasin
Colorado-based environmental journalist and author of Poisoning the Well, How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America.
The Hill
Episode: Episode 97. Forever Chemicals: Sharon Udasin
Simon Winchester
Renowned author and former journalist known for his exploration of historical narratives and scientific topics.
Episode: Episode 96. The Weather: Simon Winchester
James Muller
Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Alaska Anchorage and expert on Winston Churchill
University of Alaska Anchorage
Episode: Episode 95. The River War: James Muller
Claudia Polsky
Clinical professor of law and founding director of the Environmental Law Clinic
University of California, Berkeley
Episode: Episode 93. Attacks on University Research: Claudia Polsky
Jaimi Dowdell
Investigative journalist from Reuters
Reuters
Episode: Episode 92. ATSDR: Jaimi Dowdell
Henry Erlich
One of the innovators of PCR and a key figure in genetics
Cetus Corporation, Roche Molecular Systems
Episode: Episode 88. Polymerase Chain Reaction: Henry Erlich
Marissa Moss
Award-winning author and illustrator of over 70 books for children and young adults, including "The Woman Who Split the Atom, The Life of Lise Meitner".
Episode: Episode 87. Meitner's Atom: Marissa Moss
Jim Baggott
Author of nearly 20 books related to physics.
Oxford University Press
Episode: Episode 86. Quantum Mechanics: Jim Baggott
Bret Stephens
Opinion Columnist at the New York Times and author focusing on American universities and democracy.
The New York Times
Episode: Episode 84. Antisemitism and the Academy: Bret Stephens

Host

Frank von Hippel
Host and an expert in science history, engaged in insightful discussions about significant scientific events and contributions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 139 ratings
  • Enlightening

    One of my favorite podcast. I end up listening to these multiple times out of both enjoyment and information. Highly recommended.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mharrisARCH
    United States2 years ago
  • Interesting and engaging!

    I appreciate Dr. Von Hippel’s ability to make science understandable and interesting. I enjoy his show, I learn something new each time.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MelBums
    United States3 years ago
  • Disappointing

    The host is very intelligent and knowledgeable, guests and subjects typically the same but when the political bias and one sidedness comes out it is very alienating and frustrating!

    If the host would sometimes have guests on he does not always see eye to eye with, and presented current topics more broadly and had a real and nuanced discussion it would be much more palatable.

    This is science after all - always evolving and never black and white. Please consider staying more open to other possibi... more

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Serena Fox
    United States3 years ago
  • Amazing

    This podcast is an interesting and entertaining way to learn more about science topics across the board.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ptierra
    United States4 years ago
  • Peter G

    Consistently excellent. Essential listening. Thank you for your efforts

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Peter the Poet
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, the podcast is seen as a valuable resource for those interested in nuanced discussions of science history.
Some critique the perceived political bias in discussions, feeling that it may alienate certain viewers and calling for a more balanced approach.
There's a positive reception for the engaging style of the host, highlighting the ability to make complex topics accessible and enjoyable.
Listeners appreciate the insightful and informative nature of the content, often finding value in the depth of discussions and expert opinions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 97. Forever Chemicals: Sharon Udasin
Q: Did you find in the PFAS story that it's typically women in these communities who are the ones who are starting the process?
While there are notable women at the forefront of activism against PFAS contamination, men have also played significant roles in this movement.
Episode 97. Forever Chemicals: Sharon Udasin
Q: Could we turn for a moment to the military side of this? What was happening with military uses of PFAS?
The military application of PFAS gained traction in the 1960s, particularly after a disaster aboard the USS Forrestal led to the urgent need for firefighting technology incorporating PFAS.
Episode 96. The Weather: Simon Winchester
Q: How did the use of wind as an energy source come about?
James Blythe used wind to generate electricity for light bulbs, though his innovation was initially met with skepticism.
Episode 93. Attacks on University Research: Claudia Polsky
Q: Can you discuss the constitutionality or lack thereof of these grant cancellations?
Claudia explains that the cancellations violate the separation of powers, as the executive branch has overstepped its boundaries by canceling funds that Congress has already approved.
Episode 93. Attacks on University Research: Claudia Polsky
Q: How did you get into the field of environmental law?
Claudia shares that her interest began as a child with a Greenpeace presentation about whales, leading her to engage in various environmental science and advocacy efforts before choosing law as her path.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Science History Podcast

What is Science History Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast features in-depth conversations that examine pivotal moments and figures in the history of science. It explores a wide range of topics, from historical weather phenomena and significant public health issues to influential scientists and groundbreaking innovations. Each episode combines expert interviews with storytelling to highlight the intertwining of scientific progress and societal implications, often emphasizing the contributions of notable figures who have shaped our understanding of various fields such as biology, physics, and environmental science. Noteworthy discussions include the historical impacts of political policies on research, the evolution of scientific thought, and reflections on the interdisciplinary nature ... more

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How many listeners does Science History Podcast get?

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How many subscribers and views does Science History Podcast have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Science History Podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Science History Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Science History Podcast:

1. In Our Time
2. History Extra podcast
3. The Ezra Klein Show
4. The New Yorker Radio Hour
5. The Rest Is History

How many episodes of Science History Podcast are there?

Science History Podcast launched 8 years ago and published 97 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Science History Podcast?

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What guests have appeared on Science History Podcast?

Recent guests on Science History Podcast include:

1. Sharon Udasin
2. Simon Winchester
3. James Muller
4. Claudia Polsky
5. Jaimi Dowdell
6. Henry Erlich
7. Marissa Moss
8. Jim Baggott

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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